Merck's Not Backing Down

"Our focus remains on defending these cases vigorously one at a time," he said.

Frazier said the company and its workers had been unfairly portrayed during the months since Vioxx was removed from the market, and he defended the research and disclosures Merck did on the drug before and after it was approved.

A definite decision hasn't been made about trying to get Vioxx back in the market, he said.

One of the challenges facing Merck, Frazier said, was explaining its business in "a way that will resonate with juries." He acknowledged that the company may have a difficult task of explaining what is sometimes complicated science in a courtroom setting.

He wouldn't discuss specific litigation strategies, but he did say the company may make modifications in its presentation to juries even though the fundamentals of its defense will remain the same.

The first federal Vioxx case, set for November in New Orleans, will probably be moved to another venue because of the destruction Hurricane Katrina caused in the Gulf Coast region. The judge in that case is now working in Houston.

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